Should The Giants Trade Victor Cruz?

Back in 2013, the New York Giants and Victor Cruz agreed upon a 5 year deal at $43 million dollars. The deal included a 9.5 million signing bonus with $15.6 million guaranteed. Victor Cruz will be 32 years old when his contract expires and is currently recovering from a season ending injury (Knee). The New York Giants are currently 3-9 if the season would end today; the Giants would be selecting 7th overall in the 1st round of the 2015 NFL draft. Let’s assume that the Giants do finish with the 7th worse record this season and with many needs; I have come to the unthinkable of trading Victor Cruz.

This conclusion has emerged due to the production of Odell Beckham Jr. who seems more suited to be a slot receiver at the NFL level. With Oakland/Jacksonville/Tampa Bay/Tennessee/New York Jets/and Washington slotted to pick ahead of the Giants; this could be the best time for the Giants to make a move for an additional first round pick. All reports have indicated that Cruz is on schedule and will be 100% once training camp begins. I look at Cruz’s situation (injury recovery) similar to Darrell Revis situation with the Jets back in 2013. If the Giants could find another team ahead of them (teams mentioned above) interested in Cruz; should they (the Giants) do the unthinkable and trade Cruz?

Looking at the teams mentioned, it appears that only Jacksonville and Tennessee would make the most sense. Forget about the Raiders giving up the #1 overall pick, along with the Jets and Tampa Bay; as they have talent and depth at the WR position. Washington would be selecting 6th (one spot ahead of the Giants), so that wouldn’t work for the Giants. If the Giants can make a deal with either Jacksonville (#2) or Tennessee (#4) for Victor Cruz , this would open the door for them to draft WR Amari Cooper out of Alabama; who is projected to go in the top 5. Having Cooper on the outside along with Beckham Jr. causing havoc in the slot would provide Manning with multiple threats that opposing teams would have trouble in man to man coverage. The Giants could then use their other 1st round pick (7th overall) and their 2nd round (38 overall) and their 3rd round (71 overall) along with the remaining selections on pressing needs along the DL/LB and OL and possibly TE.

Also, keep in mind if the Giants can trade Cruz, along with contracts of Antrel Rolle, Mathias Kiwanuka, Jon Beason, Cullen Jenkins and JPP possibly coming off the books. The Giants will have additional money to pursue a player such as Ndamukong Suh. I realize this is a long shot for the Giants regarding trading Victor Cruz and one that shows no indication on their part of consideration, however; one that should be considered. So would you trade Victor Cruz, if it meant acquiring a player like Amari Cooper?